INDIANAPOLIS - Jessica Ubanyionwu, a sophomore at Baylor University, is the recipient of the Elite 88 award for the 2010 NCAA Division I Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship.

The Elite 88, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. It is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's 88 championships.

Ubanyionwu, majoring in health science studies/pre-med, currently carries a 3.942 GPA. The El Paso, Texas, native qualified for the indoor championships in the triple jump with a season-best leap of 43 feet, 1.75 inches.

For the purposes of this award, GPAs are based on a straight grading scale to ensure consistency, with ties broken by the number of credits completed.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and competing at the championship.

For more information on the Elite 88 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite88.